Pre-Med at Duke vs USC vs UCLA/UCB

Pre-Med & Medical School Pre-Med Topics
1

<p>Hello, all! I am currently an incoming senior and I am looking at schools to apply to. Basically, what I look for is good academics, school spirit (sports are a big plus), research/ other medically related opportunities, a somewhat laid-back vibe, and a party scene, and Duke, USC, LA, and Berkeley all fit this description pretty well. However, I am aware that these schools are highly competitive and that this might hurt me in the long run, when applying to medical school. Personally, I get driven by competition and am willing to work hard, but I should keep medical school in mind. Which of these schools are best for a pre-med (GPA, MCAT, and Med school admisssions wise). Do you guys have any other school suggestions or advice? Thank you!</p>

2

<p>Start here:</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/pre-med-topics/1484178-if-you-high-school-please-read-before-posting.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/pre-med-topics/1484178-if-you-high-school-please-read-before-posting.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

3

<p>I have, but I’m looking for a more specific answer relating to the listed schools</p>

4

<p>Wait until you admitted before you decide which you want to attend.</p>

5

<p>^Yes, apply first then decide…Also, I’m wondering where you got the idea that UCB has a party scene haha, I go there and the joke is that it’s the furthest from a party school (which, personally, I think is great).</p>

6

<p>I should have mentioned this earlier, but I visited duke this summer and solidified my thoughts on it being my first choice. I want to ED but the only thing holding me back from doing so is that it might be harder to maintain a good gpa at duke.
Dina, a couple of my friends go to Berk and they seem to be having a good time (although they are in frats/sororities)</p>

7

<p>If Duke is your first choice, try to get in there then.</p>

<p>I do not expect that being a premed at other schools you mentioned will be easier. The pool of premed students are self-selected; they are not the same as other non-premed students, in general. Also, premed advising at Duke may be better.</p>

8

<p>If you know Duke is your first choice, you should ED. Maintaining a good gpa is close to the same degree of difficulty at all the schools you listed. In fact, I’d argue that the amount of advising/smaller classes of a private school like Duke would probably help you get a better gpa.</p>